Chronic pain can be associated with a wide range of conditions including low back pain, cervical and thoracic pain, shoulder pain, headache disorders, cancer, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
Physical therapists have unique skills to recommend specific exercise programmes to help relieve chronic pain.
The benefits of using exercise to manage chronic pain include:
- maintaining flexibility and movement
- improving cardiovascular health
- building and keeping muscle tone
- improving mood and general wellbeing
- helping control pain
- increasing confidence to take part in activities
- taking back control of your life and reducing your fear.
WCPT President Emma Stokes said:
‘People who have chronic pain tell us that it can be difficult to get or stay active. But a physical therapist can work with you to suggest activities or a programme that’s right for you. They can help you understand how pain works, reduce your fears around pain, educate you about your condition, encourage you to take part safely in physical activity, build your confidence, help you remain or return to work or participate in activities that allow you to live life the way you want to.
‘Talk to a physical therapist and discover how they can help you learn self-management techniques to manage your pain.’
